Dog Medication Dosage Calculator
Enter your dog's weight and select a common over-the-counter medication to get the recommended dose. Always consult your veterinarian before giving any medication -- this tool provides general guidelines, not a prescription.
Important Safety Notes
Before giving any OTC medication
- Call your vet -- especially if your dog takes other medications
- Check the label for xylitol, pseudoephedrine, or acetaminophen -- all are toxic to dogs
- Weigh your dog accurately -- guessing can lead to overdose
- Start with the lowest recommended dose
- Never give human cold/flu combination medications
Medications that are NEVER safe for dogs
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) -- causes kidney failure
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) -- causes liver damage
- Naproxen (Aleve) -- causes GI bleeding and kidney failure
- Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) -- causes seizures, death
- Any product containing xylitol
More Dog Health Tools
Check out our other calculators for calories, weight tracking, and pregnancy milestones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I give my dog Benadryl?
Yes, plain diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is generally safe for dogs at 1 mg per pound of body weight, given 2-3 times daily. The key word is plain -- you must use a product that contains only diphenhydramine as the active ingredient. Many combination products include decongestants like pseudoephedrine or sweeteners like xylitol, both of which are toxic to dogs. Always check the label and consult your vet before the first dose, especially if your dog takes other medications.
Is Pepto-Bismol safe for dogs?
Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) can be used short-term for mild stomach upset in dogs at 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight, every 6-8 hours. Do not use it for more than 2 days without veterinary guidance. It will turn your dog's stool dark or black -- that is a normal side effect, not a sign of bleeding. Do NOT give Pepto-Bismol to cats, and avoid it in dogs taking aspirin or other NSAIDs because of the salicylate content.
When should I use hydrogen peroxide to make my dog vomit?
Only use hydrogen peroxide (3%) to induce vomiting if directed by your vet or poison control. Give 1 teaspoon per 5 pounds of body weight, up to a maximum of 3 tablespoons. Give ONE dose only -- if the dog does not vomit within 15 minutes, do not repeat the dose. Go to the emergency vet instead. Never induce vomiting if the dog swallowed something sharp (it could tear the esophagus on the way up), caustic (bleach, drain cleaner), or petroleum-based (motor oil, gasoline).
How much melatonin can I give my dog?
Melatonin dosing for dogs is based on weight ranges rather than a per-pound formula. Dogs under 10 lbs get 1 mg, 10-25 lbs get 1.5 mg, 25-100 lbs get 3 mg, and dogs over 100 lbs get 5 mg. Give 1-2 times daily. Use plain melatonin without xylitol or additional supplements. Melatonin is commonly used for anxiety, noise phobia, Cushing's disease support, and sleep cycle regulation in dogs.
What is the correct fish oil dose for dogs?
The recommended EPA+DHA dose for dogs is 75-100 mg per kilogram of body weight per day. That means a 50-pound dog (about 23 kg) would need roughly 1,700-2,300 mg of EPA+DHA daily -- that is about 2 standard 1000 mg fish oil capsules. Start with a lower dose and increase gradually over a week to avoid stomach upset. Fish oil supports skin and coat health, joint inflammation, and cognitive function in senior dogs.
Should I call the vet before giving my dog any OTC medication?
Yes -- always. Even common over-the-counter medications can interact with prescription drugs, worsen certain health conditions, or be dangerous at incorrect doses. This calculator provides general dosing guidelines based on veterinary references, but your vet knows your dog's full medical history. Some dogs have liver or kidney conditions that change how medications are processed. When in doubt, call first.